August 2018 Primary & General Voter Guide

Transcription

1 Knox County Mayor Candidates: August 2018 Primary & General Voter Guide Name: Linda Haney Address: 2929 Long Hollow Rd Powell, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Name: Glenn Jacobs Address: PO Box Knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: Questions: 1. What initiatives would you undertake to improve the quality of life for Knox County residents? Linda Haney: Work with the School Board to expand the Community School model in the County. Promote industry and businesses that are environmentally safe and pay a living wage to come to Knox County. Improve our infrastructure so it will support responsible development. Find a way to expand the facilities to treat mental illness and treatment for addiction. Consider the possibility of having bus service in the County. Work to make Knox County a litter-free environment, and energy efficient. Glenn Jacobs: Between ORNL and UT, we have two world-class research institutions. We need to leverage those assets to bring more good-paying jobs to our area. Knox county has the potential to be a global leader in the research & development and advanced manufacturing sectors. We also have some great outdoor recreation facilities that we need to promote and market. We need more emphasis on Career and Technical Education (CTE) in our schools. Our children should have the tools they need to excel in whatever area they choose, be it continuing onto college or in the trades. We need to form community coalitions to battle the drug epidemic. Government has a role, but all of us need to be involved. Our veteran's services office does a good job, but I'd like to see us do better. I plan on introducing the Mayor's Roundtable to build coalitions within the private sector to improve economic opportunity throughout the county. 2. In what areas does Knox County need to increase expenditures to maintain or improve the quality of life in our community? What circumstances would you consider sufficiently important to necessitate a raise in taxes?

2 Linda Haney: Teachers and Sheriff's deputies need to have an increase in pay. We expect them to give their all and so they need to be compensated for all they give. All Knox County Schools in every zip code should be improved and fully functioning to meet the needs of Students and Teachers. Our infrastructure needs to be maintained and improved. The crisis in drug addiction must be addressed by providing treatment for the disease. If it is not possible to find the funds in the existing budget it could necessitate a raise in taxes. Glenn Jacobs: Raising taxes and increasing overall government spending will harm our quality of life, not enhance it. There are many areas in which we can address inefficiencies to cut spending without reducing services. In addition, I believe that we can utilize public-private partnership to take some of the funding burden off of the taxpayers for certain services. I will fight any proposed tax hikes. Taxes hurt the poor and those on fixed incomes more than anyone else. Just like we do in our own households, government must live within its means, not continually demand more money from its citizens. 3. What do you believe are the most pressing challenges facing Knox County? How would you address them as mayor? Linda Haney: Improving education for all boys and girls in all zip codes in the County. Growth and expansion of the County are great but need to be done responsibly. Attracting jobs to the County that pay a living wage. Combating the opioid crisis must be addressed. The only way to address these issues will be to show the citizens of Knox County that the Commission, School Board, and Sherriff's Office and the Mayor can work together to find efficient and effective ways to solve them. Glenn Jacobs: By far, the most pressing challenge is the drug epidemic. Government cannot solve this problem alone. All of us--families, churches, schools, non-profits, and business--must take an active role. The mayor's job is to help build this coalition and take an active leadership role. We must also build an economy which takes advantage of the opportunities the 21st Century will present. We have the assets to do so, especially in the advanced manufacturing sector. Here, the mayor must take an active role in making us even more business friendly so that we can attract and keep business which create high-paying jobs. More and more, schools are becoming community hubs. The mayor should work closely with the school system to make sure that our schools are satisfying the changing needs of our kids. Knox County Sheriff Candidate: Name: Tom Spangler Address: P.O. Box 457 Knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: spangler884@gmail.com

3 Questions: 1. What is the greatest challenge facing the Sheriff s Office? How would you overcome that challenge? Tom Spangler: The Sheriff s office has lost so many officers (mostly due to recent retirements) that have had many years of Law Enforcement experience and the culture, meaning morale of the officers and support staff. I want to create a career development program that allows an officer to get the training necessary to be promoted and or be placed in the department that they are best suited for. I believe allowing these men & women to pursue their law enforcement career goals will make them want to stay with the Sheriff's office instead of pursuing other agencies. I also feel this will be a crucial tool in recruiting talent both locally as well as from other areas. I also will promote based on merit, work experience as well as work ethic, not based on who an individual knows or is related to. This in and of itself will drastically improve the morale and culture at the Sheriff's office. 2. What do you see as the most serious law enforcement issues affecting Knox County? What measures can the Sheriff s Office take to address them? Tom Spangler: Our citizens safety especially our children in the schools is without a doubt one of the most serious. Drugs have been and always will be tied to crime. The type of drug(s) vary every few years. We have to work in conjunction with everyone, including the private sector, medical professionals and other government agencies to combat this issue. I want to put a Law Enforcement Officer in each school, not have an officer assigned to 2-3 schools. I want to put more resources into educating our children and coming alongside of their parents for issues that they may be facing, whether it be bullying, drugs etc. I want more patrol officers on the streets. As a former Patrol officer and supervisor of Patrol I know how important it is to have an adequate number of Officers in our neighborhoods and on our streets. 3. In Knox County, deaths from opiod overdoses continue to increase. Knox County is projected to see 365 overdose deaths for What is the Sheriff s Office s role in addressing the opiod crisis? Tom Spangler: The role of the Sheriff s Office is first and foremost to be enforcers of the laws that the legislature creates. Our second responsibility will be to EDUCATE the public, our staff, our officers and especially our children. We must make an impression on our children at a young age to the dangers of DRUGS. The last part will be treatment of an addict, this likely will be the most difficult. Treatment is not something that you can force on an individual and it work. That individual must want to receive help before it can be effective. I want to be clear that I will be very tough on drug dealers & those individuals who prescribe illegally. I will make sure that Sheriff's office is working hard with other law enforcement agencies to take down dealers and those who assist them in bringing drugs into our community. I will not forget about the victims of the crimes that are committed by the dealers and or the users. My number one priority is the safety of our community.

4 County Commission District 3 Candidates: Name: Cody Biggs Address: 408 West Meadecrest Drive Knoxville, TENNESSEE (TN) Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: codybiggs@codybiggs.org Name: Randy Smith Address: 3304 McKamey Road Knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: randysmithforcommission@gmail.com Questions: 1. Knox County is projected to grow by more than 100,000 people by the year Many factors will have to be balanced to manage this growth. What land use policies would you adopt to accommodate this growth while retaining Knox County s quality of life? Cody Biggs: I want to listen and learn to the community of Knoxville while making all land use policy decisions. There should be a balanced, but progressive, support for businesses and homeowners, however each situation can and hopefully will be different. We should plan to adopt measures that support the people of Knoxville: affordable homes and rental properties that do not impact or increase our cost of living for Knoxville residents; rezoning should be considered at any time that more housing opportunities would be provided. Business opportunities should be provided in favorable circumstances that will continue to grow a vibrant community. Randy Smith: As county leaders we must keep open space and park land available and insure that traffic flows smoothly, so that we maintain our great quality of life. To do that, we must work hand-in-hand with the Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission on land use policies. One example: Including higher densities in the urban core and suburban areas. In addition, we must work with the local utility companies so that they extend their services to areas not currently served, a move that will allow for growth in those outlying areas. Further, we also need to make use of Employment Centers and Commercial Centers - a type of land use policy that focuses on convenience and traffic considerations. 2. What will your top three priorities be if you are elected county commissioner? Describe the initiatives you would pursue to achieve your priorities.

5 Cody Biggs: - Our education should be a top priority by making sure the budget works for all: students, teachers, parents and administrators.i want to work on the relationship between the community, students and teachers, and make sure that we all think education is a priority, not just a select few. - I want us all to be able to enjoy our beautiful landscape in Knoxville, and I will always support measures to improve the safety, security, and quality of public spaces and roadways. Living directly beside one of our amazing green-ways I have witnessed first hand the need to make things better and I want to use my voice to formulate policies that will increase public space involvement and use. - The County Commission should be creating opportunities, not barriers, for businesses and homeowners both. I will make zoning decisions based on the benefit of the community. Working with the MPC, businesses, homeowners, and rental property associations, I will listen and promote the best for Knox County. Randy Smith: Job Growth - I want the county to continue maintaining a business-friendly environment that leads to the recruitment of companies and the expansion of existing ones. Education - I will seek and support programs and policies that continue to achieve academic gains. Safe Streets/Neighborhood Safety - County leaders as a whole must work to improve infrastructure such as successful examples like the intersection of Gleason Road and Ebeneezer, Parkside Drive, Bob Gray, and Western Avenue. We need to invest in smart flow traffic technology, and we also must continue to make sure the Knox County Sheriff's office has the tools it needs to continue making our communities safe. 3. Taxes are the way citizen s support and invest in their community. What circumstances would you consider sufficiently important to necessitate a raise in taxes? Cody Biggs: One example that should be addressed is our teachers whom are the guiding force and inspiration in our kids/young adult s lives. Salaries & benefits should be among the best for those in our educational system for the hard work they put into our future leaders of the world. Other examples would be emergency medical, fire, and police aid being paid what they deserve for the unrecognized service and safe and secure quality of life they provide. Taxes are a basis for how these amazing people are paid and should be thoroughly discussed, reviewed, discussed again, and ways to make improvements happen should be made available. If this means raising taxes, then that is something that I am willing to discuss & hear from all parties about, but a lot can be made from a little when someone cares enough. We should be making sure that nothing is left on the table, or being wasted, before putting new money on the table to spend. We must invest to get a return, these folks deserve our investment. Randy Smith: I do not see any reason to raise taxes at this time. County Commission District 7 Candidates: Name: Charles Busler Address: 2213 Steven Drive Knoxville, Tn Campaign Phone: (865)

6 Web Site: Name: Steve Hart Address: 6315 Lacy Road knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Questions: 1. Knox County is projected to grow by more than 100,000 people by the year Many factors will have to be balanced to manage this growth. What land use policies would you adopt to accommodate this growth while retaining Knox County s quality of life? Charles Busler: I would work with Legacy Park Foundation to continue to grow greenways, open spaces and access to water fronts. Steve Hart: - no response 2. What will your top three priorities be if you are elected county commissioner? Describe the initiatives you would pursue to achieve your priorities. Charles Busler: 1. Keep tax rates low. Keep reviewing budgets to assure tax payers money is being used properly. 2. Education. A complete independent study of our current education process. We need to evaluate the dollars currently being spent in Knox County to assure that young people are being properly prepared for the future. 3. Advancement in Government Technology. Steve Hart: - no response 3. Taxes are the way citizen s support and invest in their community. What circumstances would you consider sufficiently important to necessitate a raise in taxes? Charles Busler: A tax increase is always recessive and not progressive. Steve Hart: - no response - County Commission District 10 At-Large Candidates: Name: Tori Griffin Address: 4205 Ivy Ave Knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (865)

7 Web Site: Name: Larsen Jay Address: P.O. Box Knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: Questions: 1. Knox County is projected to grow by more than 100,000 people by the year Many factors will have to be balanced to manage this growth. What land use policies would you adopt to accommodate this growth while retaining Knox County s quality of life? Tori Griffin: Zoning is and will be a crucial element in the growth of this county. As new residents and businesses come, a strategy that accommodates growth, affordability, and sustainability must be put in place now to prepare for The City is implementing Recode Knoxville which will modernize zoning standards; the County should take the same initiative. Mixed-use development is the best approach. Larsen Jay: As more people move into Knox County and businesses continue to prosper, we must find proactive ways to be ready and positively harness that growth. Regarding land use, I am a firm believer in personal property rights and citizens should be able to use or sell their land if the use is deemed appropriate by our planning teams and oversight committees. However, as more land is developed throughout Knox County, it s crucial that we also invest in the infrastructure to support its use and impact on all citizens. As a Commissioner, I would rely heavily on the staff and board members of the Metropolitan Planning Commission who are charged with studying land usage, development policies and how best to manage growth while keeping housing and business prices affordable. Additionally, with every decision that would reach our governing body, I will meet with the citizenry and gather as much information as possible to make the best decision for Knox County. 2. What will your top three priorities be if you are elected county commissioner? Describe the initiatives you would pursue to achieve your priorities. Tori Griffin: Jobs-It s important to me that we, Knox County, petition and attract quality businesses to this dynamic region. Allowing blue collar and tech industries to call Knox County home while offering great incentives for these companies to stay long term. This can be done with negotiations set in providing employees with livable wages, benefits, and paid family sick leave. Education- I plan to be an advocate for quality education. I am confident that by cutting wasteful spending and partnering with various businesses and non-profits, we can spend more in the classroom, as well as offering competitive wages to educators. Housing-I am a proponent in continuing to make housing more affordable, as well as increasing the pipeline to home ownership. Let s keep what works while utilizing federal, state, and local dollars to purchase

8 blighted properties. We can then offer lower rates to residents and developers to increase home value therein beautifying neighborhoods. Larsen Jay: If elected to serve the residents of Knox County as a Commissioner, my top three priorities would be to pursue policies and initiatives that will (#1) keep the cost of living and cost of government as low as possible. I believe this is the foundation for growing businesses, excellent public education and great job opportunities. Additionally (#2), I believe it s essential that we invest in strong law enforcement and our first-responders, and as such, I will work to support initiatives that directly translate to safer neighborhoods. And finally, (#3) I would dedicate myself to helping support better mental/emotional health and addiction recovery services. I believe we must make significant improvements in this area in order to have a strong citizenry and workforce across Knox County. 3. Taxes are the way citizen s support and invest in their community. What circumstances would you consider sufficiently important to necessitate a raise in taxes? Tori Griffin: 1. Paying our educators a competitive wage. 2. fixing our infrastructure 3. increasing pay for those who keep us safe 4. quality and efficient services Larsen Jay: I am a firm believer that our low tax rate is a positive factor in the quality of life in Knox County and an attraction to people / businesses looking to relocate to our community. No one wants to pay more taxes, including me, and I believe raising taxes a last-choice option. However, the current financial state of Knox County does not allow for significant investment and improvements going forward. If our new Mayor and the citizens of Knox County determine it a priority to further invest in our school system, infrastructure, roads / transportation and other major, long-term initiatives, then a tax increase will be necessary to properly fund them without increasing the County debt. County Commission District 11 At-Large Candidates: Name: Justin Biggs Address: 3329 Bridlebrooke Dr. Knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: Biggsforcommission@gmail.com Name: Daniel Gerke Address: Sandburg Lane Knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (423) Web Site: gerke@electdanielgerke.com

9 Questions: 1. Knox County is projected to grow by more than 100,000 people by the year Many factors will have to be balanced to manage this growth. What land use policies would you adopt to accommodate this growth while retaining Knox County s quality of life? Justin Biggs: With an increase of that capacity the first point of focus will have to be on our 29 year old road system. Traffic will be an issue and is currently an issue. Whether it is potholes or pinch points in the overflow of traffic. We have to focus on making Knox County attractive for travel as well. In doing so my belief is that other companies will relocate here and will bring better jobs to our community. We will need to make sure we preserve our bike paths for alternate means of transportation as well as more access and availability to electric car charging stations. We need to preserve our rivers, streams, and greenways and protect them and keep them as beautiful as possible. Daniel Gerke: Infrastructure is critical for supporting the growth of Knox County over the next 20 plus years. As County Commissioner I would work to ensure that we create a city that is walkable with access to businesses within our community. My experience as a professional project manager has shown me that companies bring good paying jobs to communities that are easy to get around, have great park systems, and have affordable living. Enhancing the quality of life for Knox County is one of the main reasons why I'm running for Knox County Commission, At Large Seat 11. With thoughtful planning that is diverse and inclusive of our population we can ensure that we are creating a community that is happy and provides opportunities for all of our citizens. A great infrastructure leads to a great economy. 2. What will your top three priorities be if you are elected county commissioner? Describe the initiatives you would pursue to achieve your priorities. Justin Biggs: Economic Growth - We need better paying jobs for the citizens of Knox County. This is something I will be very active in. I will personally help recruit companies or small businesses to call Knox County home. With our tax rate we are very competitive on a large scale and with the freeway systems intersecting here, anyone would love to call Knox County home from a travel standpoint. I will also offer any help to the chamber that i can to assist in anyway they may see fit. Safer Neighborhoods - Neighborhood watch groups need to be reinstated in a lot of areas. In return a better wage for our boots on the ground officers will also be something i seek and will result in more people answering the call to become an officer and a larger police force. Schools - More money back into our classrooms and more after school programs for students as well as reimplement a Dare like program for our younger students to teach them drug awareness and other safety measures. Daniel Gerke: My number one priority is our public schools. I will advocate for our public schools to ensure they are getting the funding they need to maintain the buildings, provide teachers and staff with a wage that will ensure we keep the good teachers and staff in our schools. I will also work to ensure our schools are getting the funding they need to protect our students, teachers, and staff. My Second Priority is to focus on how we develop and build within our community. I am pro-business and want businesses to be successful but we also need to

10 ensure that we do not negatively impact our community with inappropriate development. Safety is my third priority and I will work with the Sheriff to ensure they are getting the resources they need to keep our community safe and to appropriately deal with the drug problem that plagues our criminal justice system. Drug addition is an illness and our Sheriff department needs to have the appropriate resources to deal with this epidemic. 3. Taxes are the way citizen s support and invest in their community. What circumstances would you consider sufficiently important to necessitate a raise in taxes? Justin Biggs: Only Emergency or catastrophic events would call for a tax increase. I do not support a tax increase. We are in great financial times where new business and new homes are adding to our tax base and with natural growth we will not need a tax increase. Daniel Gerke: Life has taught me that if you want something you need to work for it and that there are costs associated with ensuring your quality of life. Raising taxes is not the most popular thing, but in order to ensure we are doing the right thing for our community, and investing in our community, we need to look at all options. If needed, which I believe there is a current need, we should be looking to raise our taxes to pay for the cost of developing a thriving and successful community. If we won't invest in our own community then we as a community will struggle to provide the quality of life that we want for our family, friends, and our neighbors. I don't believe raising taxes is the only thing we can do to increase revenue, there are fees that our county has to pay the state and we should be looking at reducing fees we pay to the state as well as looking for efficiencies in our government to reduce cost so that we are spending our money wisely. U.S. House Tennessee District 2 Candidates: Name: Tim Burchett Name: Jason Emert Name: Hank Hamblin Name: Renee Hoyos Address: P.O. Box Knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: will@hoyosforcongress.com Name: Jimmy Matlock

11 Name: Ashley Nickloes Name: Vito Sagliano Address: P.O. Box 255 Mascot, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: Name: Joseph Schenkenfelder Name: David Stansberry Address: 7312 Belinda Road Powell, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: Name: Joshua Williams Address: POB Knoxville, TN - Tennessee Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: williamsforcongress@gmail.com Questions: Q: What are the most important challenges facing our country and how do you propose to address them? Tim Burchett: - no response Jason Emert: - no response Hank Hamblin: - no response Renee Hoyos: Wherever I travel in the second district I hear about healthcare concerns. Everyone wants affordable, accessible healthcare. I believe we should work to stabilize the individual marketplace utilizing the Affordable Care Act. Senators Alexander and Murray had such a proposal that was popular but was derailed. I support bi-partisan legislative efforts such as that to solve healthcare needs. Additionally, we should expand Medicare by allowing people the option of acquiring coverage at age 55. This would increase competition in the marketplace and create an infusion (new premiums) of resources into the Medicare program. I also believe we

12 need to address pharmaceutical drug costs. By decreasing drug patent times, increasing the availability of generic drugs, and combining the purchasing power of Medicaid, Medicare and the Veterans Health Administration, we can drastically lower the costs of pharmaceutical drugs and save consumers and the government hundreds of millions of dollars. Jimmy Matlock: - no response Ashley Nickloes: - no response Vito Sagliano: Brining a voice back to the people - Make my office and myself fully available to the people of the district, and nation. - Preservation of our Constitutional Rights. - Establish bills that are limited in size, and directed with the intent of the bill. Corruption and proper term limits. - Establish and deliver Legislative action that addresses corruption, placing accountability directly on the actions of our elected. Failure to properly represent, results in the inability to run for reelection forcing accountability on our elected. - Rest the term limit directly in the hands of the voter. Address the failing state of the infrastructure system. - Establish a modular infrastructure system. - Repair road ways, interstates, highways, bridges, railways, ports, - Redefine energy independence, and promote innovation Veteran services and benefits. - Veteran Suicide, and Homelessness - Veteran Physical Health Care - Veteran Mental Health Care - Accreditation and Credential Program Joseph Schenkenfelder: - no response David Stansberry: 1. Freedom of Religion - I am exposing the government's unconstitutional promotion of a radical religious doctrine and making it the "law of the land." Providing the details in a FREE book download from Amazon.com or a link on my website: "Unconstitutional - Making Homosexuality the National Religion 2018." 2. Drugs, Crime, and National Security - Support President Trump in securing our nation's borders. The money saved from reducing crime and drug abuse will easily offset the costs of border security. 3. Affordable health care - especially important for senior citizens. I will increase penalties for fraud and abuse to make a real deterrent to this type of criminal activity. Billions of dollars being wasted could be used to provide better care for our seniors. Joshua Williams: People want accessible and high-quality healthcare, but many jobs in this country don t pay enough for them to afford insurance. A single-payer healthcare option, or Medicare For All, is the best-case scenario to achieve this. To curb poverty not only in Tennessee, but in America, we need a $15 minimum wage. We must attract businesses to our district that will pay living wages and offer meaningful jobs, but we cannot give in to corporations over and over in the form of tax breaks and leniency in financial oversight. The measure of our nation s success will always be in the well-being of our people. Corporations are not people. We must provide greater funding for public education in this country and eliminate the gap between suburban schools and rural/urban schools. Lastly, parity for women in the workplace is an abiding issue. No one should earn more or less simply on the basis of gender. Q: What, if any steps will you take to reform current immigration policies?

13 Tim Burchett: - no response Jason Emert: - no response Hank Hamblin: - no response Renee Hoyos: I previously worked for the Immigration Legal Resource Center. I know there are better ways to deal with immigration. First, we must end the policy of separating immigrant families. We need a pathway to citizenship for those in the country who are law abiding citizens and contribute to their communities every day. We also need to improve the worker visa program. These changes will require efforts from Democrats, Republicans and Independents. And, they are necessary to reduce the problem of illegal immigration. Jimmy Matlock: - no response Ashley Nickloes: - no response Vito Sagliano: First thing would be to enforce current laws, and review the areas of concern. Secondly increase the number of judges, placing both permeant and reserved judgeships to account for influx. Once concerns are established, review what could be done to smooth the process without reducing this nation s best interest. Establish Citizenship by Investment Program. Total number would be set by national growth, and success, once number is set, it would be open to average population percent for all nations to allow equal opportunity for citizenship. (Asylum / Refugee programs set separate) To be considered eligible for the citizenship, the main applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must meet all the immigration requirements outlined below. Clear a full background check. Good health Financially established Provide in writing how they would benefit this nation if citizenship was granted Meet established milestones to being a productive citizen Joseph Schenkenfelder: - no response David Stansberry: 1. Children born to parents in the country illegally will not receive automatic citizenship. 2. Stop immigration from all countries which have people in our nation illegally until the issue is resolved working with the country of origin, the people in our nation illegally, and our Federal government's current immigration laws and policies. 3. Anyone "in line" for legal immigration will be processed. 4. Anyone who identifies themselves inside our country illegally will be processed and sent back to the country of origin. They will be given priority to apply for immigration using the legal process after everyone who was already in line has been considered. 5. Anyone who does voluntary join the program and who are identified as being here illegally will be processed and never become illegible for immigration to our country. 6. Anyone here illegally who commits violent crimes will receive the harshest punishment allowed by law. Joshua Williams: Immigration reform in this country is a necessity, but our current system and current oversight in ICE has become a worldwide embarrassment. Separating children from families is completely immoral. As a psychologist I am very aware of the emotional and life-long trauma we are inflicting on children and their families. This MUST stop. It s well past time to

14 change the function and purpose of ICE. We can do better in preserving our security while welcoming newcomers to our shores. Backlogs in immigration court dockets have people waiting 20 years for entry. I will work to improve this system. Our nation has prospered, since our beginning, by welcoming those seeking to live peacefully among us and to be part of the American dream. At some point in time we have all been immigrants. Q: What should the Federal Government do, if anything, to provide an equitable, quality public education for all children pre K through grade 12? Tim Burchett: - no response Jason Emert: - no response Hank Hamblin: - no response Renee Hoyos: First, Title I funding to the states should be secure and should be directed only toward public schools. I do not support diversion of public dollars to vouchers or charter schools. The mission of the Department of Education is fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. It is not clear this administration understands that directive. The dialogue between states and the Department of Education needs to be ongoing, with input from administrators and teachers. The current system of testing could be improved, and I believe teachers need to have more input about how the student assessment program is implemented. If elected, I would work to create more interaction among federal, state and local educational officials to address these concerns. As students finish secondary school not all will want to attend a traditional four-year college. Secure more funds for vocational/technical education, which will provide students with skills and prepare them for good careers. Jimmy Matlock: - no response Ashley Nickloes: - no response Vito Sagliano: This is primarily a state issue, and would be established under the Tenth Amendment. While a state issue, a yearly statement on goals, and future trends at the federal level should be discussed with the states to assure national cohesion. At the community level the local and county members would be most attune to events facing the schools and students. The only federal function, would be to support the state in these goals and milestones. Joseph Schenkenfelder: - no response David Stansberry: The federal government should not be involved in K through grade 12 education. Their involvement has caused many of the problems in our education system as they mandate "social engineering" over basic education skills to receive Federal funds. If the Federal government has money to send back to the states then then have taken in too much tax revenue. The Federal government can assist with Federal student loans and grants to provide higher education opportunities to more Americans.

15 Joshua Williams: To start at a young age, all preschools in America should be publicly-funded and free for all students. If that sounds extreme, remember that we spend well over $600 billion per year on national defense and that universal preschool would cost around $26 billion. Moving upwards, we must provide a significantly greater investment in public education. The greatest predictor of standardized test success in America is family income, not how hard someone studies or how much time they spend in the library. Simply put: if you go to a rural/urban school versus a suburban private school, you are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to college readiness. This must change. I also favor expansion of life-time learning opportunities both in the vocational and technical fields to keep our workforce ready for innovations and changes in the global economy. Q: What steps should the federal government take to improve healthcare access? Tim Burchett: - no response Jason Emert: - no response Hank Hamblin: - no response Renee Hoyos: Please see the response to question 1. Jimmy Matlock: - no response Ashley Nickloes: - no response Vito Sagliano: Get out of the way! One of the core issues is the constant administrative load shoved onto medical providers, pharmaceutical, insurances, businesses, and the list just goes on. Allow cross state competition of insurances, don t limit access to options across the board. With regard to healthcare as a whole, it should be allowed to be tailored to doctor patient goals and treatment as they see fit, with accountability placed at both levels. Full disclosures of cost, options, and risk should be made available upfront in layman terms. Joseph Schenkenfelder: - no response David Stansberry: Access is not the problem, cost is the problem, The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) resulted in working people paying high premiums, increased deductibles and copays which puts them in the position of paying for insurance that is practically useless. Removing some of the "political paybacks" in ACA can reduce overall costs so people can have affordable healthcare access: 1. - Federal coverage for babies born with birth defects (preexisting conditions) would be fine but forces private companies to provide health coverage for preexisting conditions on demand raises costs excessively for everyone. 2. Stop covering adults on their parents policies up to the age of Stop providing "hormone treatment and cosmetic surgery" to "change someone's sexual appearance" when they can never actually change their sex. It is an American shame that seniors and veterans cannot get a set of false teeth from Social Security or the VA but they can get "sex change therapy" on demand.

16 Joshua Williams: There are multiple options for this, some of which are better than others. My ideal option would be Medicare For All or a similar form of single-payer healthcare. Insurance costs aren t going to get any cheaper, because corporations are more focused on their bottom line than our well being. When you introduce profit into healthcare, people become numbers. The only solution is to remove corporations from the process and give our people the healthcare they deserve as American citizens. Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. For short-term fixes, I d be willing to hear out any process to make it more affordable or accessible, but the long-term goal must be a single-payer option, which makes healthcare universally affordable and accessible. I also plan to push for increased spending on wellness. We spend a fortune on symptoms but not prevention. We can do so much better. Tennessee Senate District 5 Candidates: Name: Randy McNally Address: 94 Royal Troon Circle Oak Ridge, TN randymcnally@bellsouth.net Name: Stuart Starr Address: 707 N C St Lenoir City, TN Web Site: starr4tnsenate5@gmail.com Questions: Q: What legislation would you propose or support, if any, to ensure every person in Tennessee has health insurance? Randy McNally: In Tennessee, we have always focused on keeping health care costs down, eliminating barriers to access and looking for ways to incentivize healthy living rather than mandating health insurance coverage. One of the bills I was most proud of this session was the Tennessee Rural Hospital Transformation Act of 2018 by Senator Watson. This bill provided state resources to rural hospitals to ensure they have the help they need to stay open and operate more efficiently. Ultimately, we need federal government cooperation to allow us the flexibility to keep costs down so that health insurance is more affordable. I am optimistic that the cooperation already underway will pay dividends. Stuart Starr: I support medicaid expansion. However we cannot ensure that every citizen has health insurance until we are able to control costs in health care. We need to change regulations so that people can receive the treatment medications that they require at a reasonable cost. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you propose or support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence?

17 Randy McNally: In my opinion, we do not have a gun problem in Tennessee but a mental health crisis. The second amendment is an important constitutional right and should be protected. But gun violence by the mentally ill and those with criminal intent must be eliminated. We have passed several pieces of legislation to keep firearms out of the hands of the mentally ill. Legislation by Senator Ferrell Haile in 2013 was groundbreaking. Legislation was passed this session to ensure that involuntary commitment to mental health facilities is reported to law enforcement in a timely fashion. I am confident we can work to keep guns out of the hands of that who should not have access while preserving access to the law-abiding and mentally healthy. Stuart Starr: I propose greater mental health services for men. We need to expand availability and eliminate stigma for mental health services for men. To pay for these services I propose a penny a bullet tax on ammunition. While mass shootings and homicides receive all of medias attention. The gun suicide rate is twice the homicide rate. Q: What do you believe is the most important issue facing the people of East Tennessee? What legislation would you propose or support to address this issue? Randy McNally: Two issues come to mind as most important for East Tennessee. One is the opioid crisis. This session, the legislature passed Governor Haslam's Tennessee Together program to crack down on providers who feed the addiction, treat those who are addicted and educate the opioid naive to prevent addiction. Increasingly, we are seeing opioids manufactured in other countries smuggled into the country. The battle against addiction will be ongoing and one I am committed to fighting. The other issue is education. Tennessee is the most improved state in the nation according to NAEP. We are making great strides toward the goal of getting 55 percent of Tennesseans equipped with a college degree or certificate by the year I am committed to making career and technical education a priority. Tennessee has done a great job bring good high paying jobs to this state. We need to ensure those great jobs go to Tennessee citizens. Stuart Starr: The main theme of my campaign is the legalization of medical cannabis in Tennessee. The legalization of medical cannabis using the data from other states will reduce health care costs, reduce opioid dependency, decrease prison populations and give patients greater options for treatment Tennessee Senate District 7 Candidates: Name: Jamie Ballinger Address: 1205 Luttrell Street Knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Web Site: manager@jamieballinger.com

18 Name: Richard Briggs Address: Lanesborough Way #913 Knoxville, TN Campaign Phone: (865) Questions: Q: What legislation would you propose or support, if any, to ensure every person in Tennessee has health insurance? Jamie Ballinger: Tennesseans need access to health insurance that doesn't break the bank. I support the Governor's Insure Tennessee plan and, therefore, I will fight every day until we have expanded Medicaid. We know that expanding Medicaid will provide insurance coverage to the 300,000 WORKING Tennesseans without coverage, and it will also lower health insurance premiums across Tennessee. The failure of our legislature to do more than talk about expanding Medicaid cost Tennesseans over $4 Billion in Federal taxes that we had already paid. Meanwhile, our neighboring states of Kentucky and Indiana expanded Medicaid to keep their citizens' tax dollars at home. Our current legislature's failure to expand Medicaid has also resulted in the closure of eight rural hospitals (and the jobs of all who worked there) and rising healthcare premiums for Tennesseans. In the State Senate, I won't let politics prevent us from making Medicaid expansion THE top priority. Richard Briggs: I have been the recognized legislative leader and advocate for Medicaid expansion in Tennessee and was the Senate sponsor in the 2015 legislative session for Insure Tennessee. I have met with officials from the Tennessee Hospital Association for a special assessment to cover the state s match to federal dollars which means no cost to the Tennessee taxpayer. In 2016, the Speaker of the House appointed me to the Three Star Health Committee. I traveled to Washington, D.C. and met with senior federal officials from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on what Tennessee could do to expand Medicaid. I sponsored legislation in 2016, 2017, and 2018 for coverage of Tennessee s uninsured. I have traveled across Tennessee speaking on the benefits for patients, hospitals, and communities of bringing over $1 billion each year of our money back to Tennessee. Expanding coverage to Tennessee s uninsured will remain my number one legislative priority. Q: What legislative changes, if any, would you propose or support to keep Tennessee citizens safe from gun violence? Jamie Ballinger: As an attorney, I support the 2nd Amendment and I also believe in commonsense solutions that can decrease the increasing gun violence that kills too many of our children and friends and neighbors every day. I have been recognized as a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate of Distinction and have been endorsed by the Knox County Education Association. Data shows that common-sense gun laws and policies save lives. We know that background checks on gun sales keeps guns out of the hands of criminals and lowers the

19 incidence of gun violence. I will propose common-sense legislation to require background checks on gun sales in Tennessee, and to close the gun show loophole. Richard Briggs: Regarding gun violence, we can make proposals that will never pass or we can take a serious look at what can actually be done to reduce deaths and injuries from firearms. Gun violence has two distinct and different elements. First, the criminal element such as robberies and mass shootings that make most the headlines. Second is the tragic accidental shootings (often involving children and mishandling weapons) and suicides. With the first, we have to keep firearms out of the hands of people that shouldn t have them felons and the mentally unstable. I co-sponsored a bill this year that would require general hospitals, not just mental hospitals, to report psychiatric involuntary commitment admissions. I sponsored and passed legislation in 2017 for better training of mental health and school counselors to recognize suicide ideology so appropriate referrals can quickly be made. I believe we can decrease gun violence yet allow Tennesseans to safely exercise legal gun rights. Q: What do you believe is the most important issue facing the people of East Tennessee? What legislation would you propose or support to address this issue? Jamie Ballinger: Hardworking East Tennesseans are having a hard time making ends meet. In Tennessee, we have more people working at minimum wage jobs than ANY other state in the union. Our friends and neighbors working 40 hours a week at the minimum wage cannot pay their rent, groceries, and utility bills. Instead, many must take on two and three minimum wage jobs to support themselves and their families instead of being home to help their children with home work or care for an ailing loved one. I will propose legislation to raise the minimum wage in Tennessee to make sure that the folks who are getting up and working every day can pay their bills. I will propose this legislation while also working with local business owners to make sure that we continue to have a vibrant business community. Good paying jobs and small businesses are the backbone of strong communities. Richard Briggs: The opioid epidemic has devastated East Tennessee and is unquestionably the state s most serious challenge. As a medical doctor, I have used my training and skill sets to address the crisis. My legislation two years ago closed over half the pill mills in Tennessee by requiring strict certification of the medical directors. In Knox County alone, we reduced the number of pain clinics from 39 to 17. In the 2018 legislative session, my Organized Retail Crime Bill anticipates removing over $200 million from the illicit drug trade and will return $14 million to the state treasury in stolen sales tax. Other legislation I supported will decrease the number of unused pain pills in medicine cabinets and will provide more funding for rehabilitation. We still have more work to do especially with mental health issues which is often at the root drug addiction. The opiate crisis will not be solved overnight but will require a long and concerted effort by everyone. Tennessee House District 13 Candidates: Name: Gloria Johnson